PDRA in Geotechnical Engineering - UOD2102

University of Dundee; Dundee; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK university is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to drive the impact of research on offshore wind solutions. The role focuses on geotechnical engineering, requiring a PhD in Applied Geotechnical Engineering and experience in advanced physical and numerical modeling. Responsibilities include liaising with industry for mooring and anchoring solutions, conducting tests, and integrating innovation with partner universities. This position supports diverse research activities and provides an inclusive workplace environment.

Benefits

Family friendly policies

Inclusive workplace

Qualifications

• PhD in Applied Geotechnical Engineering required.
• Experience with advanced physical and numerical modeling solutions.
• Track record of scientific publication commensurate with experience.
• Evidence of initiative in research and impact.
• Ability to manage academic portfolio effectively.

Responsibilities

• Liaise with industry to evolve offshore mooring and anchoring solutions.
• Conduct physical and numerical testing on industry developments.
• Realize impact of existing research at the University of Dundee.
• Integrate innovation activities with studies from the University of Edinburgh.

Skills

Advanced physical modeling

Numerical modeling

Research initiative

Geotechnical engineering

Education

PhD in Applied Geotechnical Engineering

Job description

PDRA in Geotechnical Engineering - UOD2102

Posted on 11 December 2025 | Reference: UOD2102

The School of Science and Engineering has an international reputation for excellent teaching and topical research and creating valuable impact, particularly in addressing global challenges in energy, the environment, health care, technology, forensic science and infrastructure. With its award‑winning Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification (CAHID), and departments in engineering, computing, physics and mathematics, the School offers a portfolio of disciplines and curriculums and state‑of‑the‑art facilities which prepare and inform the scientists and engineers of tomorrow. The School is run by an enthusiastic, committed and approachable team of experts who are recognised for their teaching approaches and cutting‑edge research. The School also has advanced facilities for the development of offshore renewable energy including the Scottish Marine & Renewables Testing Laboratory (SMART) and the Dundee Geotechnical Centrifuge Centre.

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to adopt the role of an Impact Associate to accelerate the Impact of University Research and encourage industry to use university facilities to help innovate industry solutions to aid the offshore wind supply chain. This role will form part of the activities of the EPSRC Offshore Wind Place‑Based Impact Accelerator (PBIAA) based in the Forth and Tay regions which represents a partnership between the University of Dundee, the University of Edinburgh and Forth and Tay Offshore (an industry body). This role is specifically to work in the area of mooring and anchoring solutions for offshore wind only. It will have a specific focus on geotechnical engineering within these areas.

Your priorities will include:

• Liaison with the industry supply chain to evolve emerging solutions in offshore mooring and anchoring
• Carry out scaled physical and numerical testing to verify the performance of industry developments
• Realise the impact of new and existing research and previous developments undertaken at the University of Dundee
• Integrate innovation activities with the mooring line studies being undertaken at the University of Edinburgh

Who we’re looking for:

• Completed a PhD in Applied Geotechnical Engineering
• Experience with advanced physical and numerical modelling including centrifuge and 1 g testing
• A track record of scientific publication commensurate with experience
• Evidence of initiative in the formulation, planning, and implementation of research and impact activities
• Capable of managing own academic portfolio and associated activities to meet deadlines

We are one of the UK’s leading universities, internationally recognised for our expertise across a range of disciplines and research breakthroughs in multiple areas, including science, medicine and engineering, amongst many others. Our purpose is to transform lives, locally and globally, which we do as a community of staff (Professional Services and academic Schools), students and alumni.

The diversity of our staff and students helps to make the University of Dundee a UK university of choice for undergraduate, postgraduate and distance learning. Family friendly policies, staff networks for BME, Disabled and LGBT staff, membership of Athena SWAN, the ECU Race Equality Charter and Stonewall as well a full range of disability services, create an enjoyable and inclusive place to work.

To further discuss the details of this post, informal inquiries may be made to Prof Michael Brown [emailprotected]

Monday, 5 January 2026, 23:59

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